Makeup
Base, colour, and the tools — what actually lasts a full day and what slides off by noon.
e.l.f. Glow Reviver Melting Lip Balm: what a tinted balm does, and why it needs reapplying
A tinted lip balm in a squeeze tube: a wash of colour and softness. Why it feels comfortable, and why it will not last like a lipstick.
e.l.f. Hydrating Camo Concealer: full coverage that stays comfortable, and how to keep it from creasing
A full-coverage concealer with a satin, hydrating finish. Where it works best, how much to use, and how to stop it settling into lines.
e.l.f. Sheer For It Blush Tint: how a liquid tint gives a natural flush, and how to blend it in time
A liquid tint for a sheer, natural flush. Why tints look like real colour, and the one rule for using them: blend fast.
essence Lash Princess: why a very cheap mascara is so popular, and how to get the false-lash look
Lash Princess is famous for costing very little and doing a lot. What the cone-shaped brush does, and how to apply it without clumps.
Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder: what setting powder does, and how much is enough
A classic loose powder for setting makeup. What it does, where to use it, and how to avoid a cakey or white-cast finish.
L'Oreal Infallible Fresh Wear powder foundation: when a powder foundation beats a liquid, and how to apply it
A powder foundation gives coverage and matte finish in one step. Who it suits, how to build it, and when a liquid is the better choice.
L'Oreal Voluminous Panorama: a volumizing mascara for fanned-out lashes, and how to avoid clumps
A volumizing mascara made to fan lashes out wide. How volume mascaras work, how to apply in layers, and how to keep lashes separated.
Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless: a matte foundation for oily skin, and how to get the shade right
A drugstore matte foundation made for normal to oily skin. Who it suits, how to pick a shade, and how to keep it from looking flat.
Maybelline Lifter Gloss: why a shiny gloss makes lips look fuller, and what the hyaluronic acid adds
A gloss makes lips look fuller because shine catches the light. What the hyaluronic acid in this one adds, and what it cannot change.
Maybelline SuperStay Matte Ink: how a long-wear matte lipstick stays put, and how to keep lips comfortable
Matte Ink is known for lasting through meals. How a long-wear matte formula sets, how to apply it neatly, and how to take it off.
Maybelline SuperStay Vinyl Ink: long-wear colour with shine, and why the shine fades before the colour
Vinyl Ink is a long-wear liquid lipstick with a glossy finish. The colour lasts; the shine wears off first. How to wear it.
NYX Bare With Me Concealer Serum: light coverage that looks like skin, and who should choose it
A concealer with the feel of a serum: light coverage, natural finish. Why it looks like skin, and when you need something stronger.
NYX Epic Ink Liner: how a felt-tip liner makes winged eyeliner easier, and how to fix mistakes
A felt-tip liquid liner with a fine brush tip. Why it is easier than a pot and brush, and a simple way to draw a wing.
NYX Micro Brow Pencil: why a very fine tip makes brows look natural, and how to draw hair-like strokes
A very fine brow pencil draws strokes that look like real hairs. How to choose a shade and fill brows without a block of colour.
NYX The Brow Glue Crazy Lift: how a strong brow gel gives a brushed-up look, and how to use it without stiffness
A strong-hold brow gel for brushed-up, fluffy brows. How it holds hairs in place, and how much to use so brows stay soft.
Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush: why one dot is enough, and how to blend a very pigmented blush
This liquid blush is famous for how strong it is. Why one dot covers a cheek, and how to blend it before it sets.
A foundation with SPF 50: what colour-correcting coverage does, and why the SPF on a foundation is not your sunscreen
IT Cosmetics' CC+ Cream is foundation, colour corrector and SPF 50 in one, and a steady best seller. Why the coverage works so well on mature skin, and the amount problem that applies to every SPF fou
A lengthening mascara with fibres: how fibres add length, what washable means, and why the brush matters
Sky High is the drugstore mascara sitting among prestige ones on Amazon's best-seller list this week. How lengthening fibres work, what washable means at the end of the day, and what the bendy brush i